Video Game Therapy as an Intervention for Children With Disabilities: Literature Review and Program Protocol

Hans Concepcion

Abstract

Childhood obesity, autism spectrum disorder, and developmental disability are among a long list of physical and cognitive conditions facing many youth today that can all benefit from a treatment program that includes a video game therapy intervention administered by a recreation therapist. Video game therapy is a modern method of assistive technology treatment that uses interactive video games to promote health benefits. This manuscript examines evidence based outcomes of the positive effects of therapeutic video games and digital assistive technology particularly for children with obesity and children with mental or developmental disorders. In addition, a working program protocol for a video game therapy program for children with obesity is provided.